Graduation 2004: Cnu Celebrates Commencement

NEWPORT NEWS — Patriotism was the focus of a speech given to 589 Christopher Newport University graduates.

The top of Matthew Kerns' mortarboard was a battlefield. Toy soldiers and a tank advanced on more soldiers behind a bunker.

Kerns wasn't making a political statement as he graduated Saturday from Christopher Newport University. Rather, he said, the scene on his cap represented his interest in military history during his four years of college, as he worked toward a bachelor of arts degree in history.

And it represented something more:

"I'm a son of a 23-year Navy sailor. I just wanted to honor all of our fighting men and women -- past, present and future."

That fit right in with the commencement address delivered by Sen. George Allen, R-Va., who spoke of patriotism and duty to country.

When Allen saw Kerns' mortarboard, he laughed, which made Kerns happy.

"I just wanted a laugh out of it," Kerns said.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class David Maxwell, an intelligence specialist, attended the ceremony to see his wife, May Colatat, receive a master's degree in industrial organization psychology.

Allen put into perspective the long history of patriotism in America, Maxwell said. "After all that's been going on in Iraq, it was great to hear a positive speech," he said.

Allen received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the university. The school's Board of Visitors cited his service as governor and U.S. senator, and his advancement of the cause of freedom in America and around the world.

New graduate Mohamed Shakur, of Hampton, who is an Air Force veteran and a member of two honor societies, said he didn't necessarily identify with Allen's references to Republican leadership. "I like to call myself an American. Whoever I think is best for the country, that's who gets my vote."

However, Shakur said he feels a strong connection to the military and believes the United States should be in Iraq. Because of his background, he said, "For every soldier, Marine, sailor that dies -- I'm a little more attached to them."

Shakur, 35, with his bachelor of science degree in business administration, will work in the finance department at Northrop Grumman Newport News.

Colatat, of Virginia Beach, is heading to a doctoral program in Ohio.

Kerns, also of Virginia Beach, is looking for a job as a park ranger.

Another of the 589 graduates -- Shellie Wilkins of Franklin -- has a short-term goal and a longer-term one.

Saturday was her commencement day. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English. She wants to teach in a high school.

Saturday was also her 32nd birthday. And it was the day before Mother's Day. Sons Cameron, 7, and Justin, 11, were at the Newport News campus to celebrate with her.

"I do my homework after they're in bed," she said. "I'm looking forward to sleep." *